Country of Service & Affiliate Group Events:

Country of service events are a highlight of all NPCA conferences. Reconnect with old friends. Meet new friends who served in your same site/country. Find out the latest happenings in your country.

Note: Registration and badges are required for all conference activities.

Country Updates on Saturday, Aug. 7 will be held at DePaul University's downtown campus on Jackson Blvd., just two blocks from the Palmer House Hilton. Rooms have been assigned based on a country's conference registration size. All events are in one of two buildings which are next door to one another.

Lewis Center at DePaul, 25 E. Jackson Blvd.

DePaul Center at DePaul, 1 E. Jackson Blvd.

Check this page periodically to find out what your country of service or affiliate group is planning during the 2004 NPCA Conference. If there is no event listed, check with your group's leader for details.

More info

AFGHANISTAN (Friends of Afghanistan)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Afghanistan RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flag.
- Afghanistan & Iraq Workshop: Betsy Thomas Amin-Arsala (Afghanistan 65-67 & wife of Hedayat Amin-Arsala, VP Afghanistan) is a featured speaker. This workshop runs from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Dinner: Join Friends of Afghanistan dinner at the highly rated Kabul House Restaurant, 1629 N. Halsted, Chicago. It is a short "el" train ride from the Palmer House.
Saturday, August 7

Country Update: Update will include pictures and experiences from Beryl Brinkman who is/was going to Afghanistan June 15 to June 29, 2004. Also in attendance will be Khris Nedam, Executive Director of kids4afghankids.com, an organization working in the province of Wardak.

Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1207

Sunday, August 8

Flag Ceremony - meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Afghan RPCVs and friends behind the Afghan flag.
Closing Ceremony: Hear Afghanistan VP Hedayat Amin-Arsala speak at the closing ceremony beginning at 10 a.m..

To RSVP or for more information, contact Beryl Brinkman (67-69).

AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE RPCV ACTION GROUP

Seth Appel, the Director of Service Programs for AJWS, and Beth Versten, Director, Midwest Regional Office, (Senegal '89-'91) will be meeting with RPCVs who are interested in learning more about American Jewish World Service.

In particular, Seth and Beth are interested in recruiting new members to play an active role in the American Jewish World Service – Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Action Group, a national affiliation group of the NPCA.

Friday, August 6
- Visit us at the informational table at the International Marketplace.
Saturday, August 7
- Workshop: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. "Volunteering Again: International Service Opportunities" : Featuring Seth Appel, AJWSDirector of Service Programs. Workshop description: In this ever-changing world, the global community needs the specialized skills and experiences gained through Peace Corps service. Whether you are 25 or 85 (or in between) you can choose from a multitude of short and long term overseas service programs. Explore opportunities with panelists representing a cross-section of organizations.
- Visit us at the informational table at the International Marketplace.

For more information, contact Elizabeth Versten (Senegal 89-91) or Ira Horwitz.

ARMENIA

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Armenia volunteers at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Join fellow Armenia RPCVs for dinner at Sayat Nova 157 E. Ohio St., Chicago at 7pm. A review in Metromix describes the restaurant: "For more than 25 years, Sayat Nova has been serving up Middle Eastern food in its somewhat kitschy quarters just off Michigan Ave. Combination platters let diners try a few mouthfuls of several dishes, and there's always a big basket of pita on every table. Partially enclosed round booths add an air of mystery and/or romance."
Saturday, August 7
- Armenia Country Update 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1216

Sunday, August 8

Flag Ceremony meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Armenia RPCVs and friends behind the Armenian flag.

To RSVP for dinner contact Kara Malenfant (92-94) and for more information on the Country Update contact Katy Groves (01-03).

BALTICS (Friends of the Baltics)
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia

Friday, August 6
- Dinner: When you combine Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in Chicago, you get pizza and jazz (unless you really are craving boiled potatoes). Join us at Leona's Restaurant at 646 N. Franklin in River North for a fresh salad, big bowl of pasta, or thick pan pizza. For less than two bucks, take Chicago's "El" from the Palmer House, across the river, and on to Leona's. After dinner and maybe even a warm Saku, Aldaris, or Kalnapilis, cool off from the August heat with a couple of smooth sets at Andy's Jazz Club.
  Check out Leona's web site for a complete menu and Andy's for the evening's lineup.
Saturday, August 7
- Friends of the Baltics Update: President of Friends of the Baltics Carla Galisin will give an association update and share her plans and priorities for the rest of 2004. In addition, we are inviting representatives from the U.S. Baltic Foundation, from Lithuania's Consulate General's office in Chicago, and the Chicago Estonian House to come and give you a feel for the spirit in the Baltics today. We've ordered copies of the latest issue of City Paper for you so you can rest comfortably knowing there's still no Starbucks in any of the capital cities. The Gap might be another story.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1217
Sunday, August 8
- March with your country's flag in the flag ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Questions, suggestions, or better ideas? Contact Kevin Hogan (Estonia 98-00) or check out the Friends of the Baltics Web site.

BANGLADESH

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Bangladesh RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Join us for a Bangladeshi dinner at Sonargaon, 2306 W. Devon Ave., 773-262-8008 Chicago. Meet at 7 p.m. After dinner, explore the famous Indo-Pakistani business district on Devon Street.
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1411
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Bangladesh RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Jean Ellickson (61-63) at Jellickson@comcast.net or 708-445-3975.

BELIZE (International Friends of Belize)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Belize flag and sit with other Belize RPCVs.
- Dinner: RSVPs needed by July 31! Please join the Central American RPCVs and the Honduran Consul General at Izalco for your favorite Central American dishes - pupusas, arroz, platanos, tamales y carne asada. Cost is $19 per person for either a vegetarian or regular plate. We will have a limited supply of Central American beer available for purchase, and beyond that the restaurant is BYOB. Please come ready to reminisce and bring photos; one each of yourself, your home, and your workplace from your days in Peace Corps.
  Izalco is located at 1511 W. Lawrence Ave and can be reached by taking the Red Line El to Lawrence and walking six blocks west (your quickest option) or by taking the #22 Clark bus to the corner of Clark and Lawrence (your no-walking option). Please RSVP by July 31 and indicate your choice of veggie or carne. Buen Provecho!
  RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Saturday, August 7

Central America Update/Salsa Dancing 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come dance Salsa for the afternoon! Join the Central American volunteers for a Salsa lesson and country updates. We will spend an hour with a Salsa instructor, and then have time to mingle with Central American volunteers and learn what is happening in your country today. RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1104

Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: Meet at 8:30 a.m. Regroup with other Belize volunteers to march behind the flag.

For more information, contact Robin Mardeusz , President, International Friends of Belize.

BOLIVIA (Amigos de Peru & Bolivia)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Bolivian flag and sit with other Bolivian volunteers.
- Amigos board luncheon: 12 Noon - 1 p.m.
- Dinner: 6 p.m. at Rinconcito Sudamericano, 1954 W. Armitage, off Damen, Chicago Bucktown area (Peruvian cuisine), phone 773-489-3126.
Saturday, August 7
- Amigos membership meeting: 3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Country update 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1105
Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: 8:30 a.m. Regroup with other Bolivian volunteers to march behind the Bolivian flag.

To RSVP for dinner, contact Franklin Salveson (Peru 65-67).
For more information, contact Patt Behler (Peru 62-64) or Ken Rustad (Bolivia 62-64).

BOTSWANA (Friends of Botswana)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Botswana RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Join the Southern Africa RPCVs for dinner and conversation on Friday night, August 6 at 6 p.m. at the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago's South Loop. Bar Louie, located in Dearborn station at 47 W. Polk, is a local Chicago mainstay with a great atmosphere and better food. Dinner includes a free drink ticket (beer, wine or soda) and will cost $30. It is a short from the Palmer House. Go south on State Street about six blocks until you hit Polk, then go west. Call Marie at 773-490-8751 (cell phone) if there are any questions/problems.
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1006
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony - meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Botswana RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP, program suggestions or for more information, contact Kori Scurlock .

BRAZIL

Thursday, August 5
- Late Night: Chicago Samba Live Brazilian Music & Dance at The Note, 1565 N. Milwaukee (about 3 miles from the Palmer House. Take Blue Line train to Damen exit)
  Doors open at 8:30 PM: Music starts at 10:30 PM. Dance lessons with Edilson Lima.
Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m.: Look for the Brazilian flags and meet with RPCVs who served in Brazil during the 1960-70s.
- Summit of the Americas reception and forum: 5-7 PM at the Palmer House. Partners of the Americas will be holding a public forum to engage participants in a dialogue about international development in the Americas. Ambassador Alexandre Addor Neto, Consul General of Brazil in Chicago, will share his views. RSVP to Ariani Friedl at afriedl@hotmail.com.
  7:30 PM Dinner at Mambo Grill, 412 N. Clark (about one mile north of the Palmer House. Red line train to Grand Avenue stop) RSVP to Margaret Rohter at mrohter@yahoo.com.
  Brazilian singer Cibelle performs at HotHouse, the Center for International Performance at 31 East Balbo at 9 PM. (Six blocks south of the Palmer House). Tickets are $15.
- Dinner: Join us for at 7:30 PM for dinner at Mambo Grill, 412 N. Clark (about one mile north of the Palmer House. Red line train to Grand Avenue stop) RSVP to Margaret Rohter at mrohter@yahoo.com.
- Late Night: Brazilian singer Cibelle performs at HotHouse, the Center for International Performance at 31 East Balbo at 9 PM. (Six blocks south of the Palmer House). Tickets are $15. RSVP to Margaret Rohter (73-75) at mrohter@yahoo.com.
Saturday, August 7
- Brazil Update: Country of service update at DePaul at 3 PM followed by a tour of Gallery 37 Center for the Arts, 66 East Randolph. (Three blocks north of the Palmer House). Photographer Tone Stockenstrom documents a photographic exchange between street kids in Brazil and teens in Chicago in the Picolino Circus Project.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1106
Sunday, August 8
- March in the flag ceremony at 8:30 a.m. with other RPCVs and Brazil fans.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Margaret Rohter (73-75).

BULGARIA (Friends of Bulgaria)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m.: Sit with Friends and Bulgarian RPCVs. Look for the Bulgarian Flag.
- Dinner: Meet at Mario's Cafe at 5241 N. Harlem Ave. Chicago for Shopska and Rakia! Reservations are required so please RSVP by July 30 to John at jnjruggini@earthlink.net.
Saturday, August 7
- Country of service update from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1213
Sunday, August 8
- March in the Flag Ceremony with friends and Bulgarian RPCVs at the closing ceremonies. Meet at 8:30 a.m.

To RSVP or for more information, contact John Ruggini.

BURKINA FASO (Friends of Burkina Faso)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 am - Look For Burkina Flag
- Dinner: Ouaga Dinner/Reunion at Bolat African Cuisine, 3346 N. Clark St. at 6 p.m.
Saturday August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
- Friends of Burkina Faso Annual Meeting & Elections: 5 p.m. to 5: 30 p.m.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: Meet at 8:30 a.m. Look For Burkina Flag.

For more info contact: Bob Osborne, President or Denny Fitzpatrick, Editor.

CAMEROON (Friends of Cameroon)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Cameroon RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m.. Look for the Cameroonian flag.
- African Fete: Remember the fetes in Africa? Do it all over again on Friday, August 6 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at 6232 N. Broadway. Dance all night long to Makossa, Bikutsi, Mapuka, Dombolo, Bend Skin, Zouk Love, Salsa and more! Drink a Guinness! Eat a brochette! Meet the Chicago African community.
  $25 gets you African cuisine, 2 drinks (then cash bar), and a hot Cameroonian DJ that will bend your skin!
  Reserve your place by calling Honor Teoudoussia at 773-274-3742 or emailing at ah_ner@yahoo.com. Just leave a message telling us how many tickets to hold at the door for you. The party is open to all.
Saturday, August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Meet to march behind the Cameroonian flag with other Cameroon RPCVs and members of Chicago's Cameroonian community in the Procession of Flags.

To RSVP or for more information, contact William Strassberger (82-86).

COLOMBIA (Friends of Colombia)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Colombia RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner:- Enjoy comida Colombian that includes yuca, platano, carne, pollo, arepa and arroz at at EL LLANO RESTAURANT, 3941 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago. The restaurant is located one block south of Irving Park Rd at Lincoln. Cost is $20 per person. It is suggested that reservation are made prior to that evening. RSVP to Susan Mazer (66-70) or Pat Suarez.
Saturday, August 7
- Colombia Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1110
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony - meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Colombian RPCVs and friends behind the Colombian flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Susan Mazer (66-70) (Chicago Contact) or Arlene Cheston (Group Leader).

CONGO (formerly Zaire) (Friends of Congo)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Congolese RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner:- 7:30 p.m. Friends of Congo Dinner (at a restaurant to be announced).
- After Dinner: Dancing to Congolese Orchestra
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update: Friends of Congo Country of Service Briefing, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. COS briefing by Steve Smith, President, Friends of Congo, Congolese community leaders and other RPCVs to be announced.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, 1002
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony - meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Congolese RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Steve Smith.

COSTA RICA (Friends of Costa Rica)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Costa Rica RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Join Friends of Costa Rica and Panama at 6:30 p.m. at Mambo Grill, 412 N. Clark St., Chicago (312)467-9797. Cash only please. RSVP to Christine Blair (Panama 95-98).
Saturday, August 7
- Central America Update/Salsa Dancing 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come dance Salsa for the afternoon! Join the Central American volunteers for a Salsa lesson and country updates. We will spend an hour with a Salsa instructor, and then have time to mingle with Central American volunteers and learn what is happening in your country today. RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1104
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony - meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Costa Rica RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP, program suggestions or for more information, contact Joel Rubin (94-96).

COTE D'IVOIRE (Friends of Cote d'Ivoire)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Cote d'Ivoire RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner 6 p.m.: Friends of Cote d'Ivoire will join Friends of Liberia and other West African RPCVs for dinner. Socialize with other African RPCVs and enjoy a reunion at Ina's Restaurant, 1235 W. Randolph St. (free parking) in Chicago. Reservations are required as space is limited. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Clip Kniffin (Liberia '65-'67). Dinner cost is $28 - payable by cash or check during dinner. More information and directions will be sent to those who RSVP. Please also check back for additional details as the conference approaches.
Saturday, August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony: Meet at 8:30 a.m. and march with Cote d'Ivoire RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Toby Schaeffer ('02).

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (Friends of the Dominican Republic)

Friday, August 6

Opening Ceremony: Sit with Dominican Republic RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.

Saturday, August 7
- Dominican Republic Meeting: 2 p.m to 5 p.m. Includes: an update on the Peace Corps-DR, current events in the Dominican Republic, PC-DR history and story swapping, and the Friends of DR annual meeting and election of the board of directors.
  Room
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1102
- Dinner: Dominican style dinner in a local restaurant (possibly with dancing). You would be responsible for covering the cost of your food for the event. Once we have a location and estimated costs we will provide you with more details.
Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: Meet at 8:30 a.m. All participants will march behind the flag of their country of service as we stroll along Lake Michigan and through Grant Park . Meet us under the DR flag and bring the family

To RSVP or for more information, contact Theresa Zingery.

EASTERN CARRIBEAN (Friends of the Eastern Caribbean)

(Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada and Carriacou, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Join fellow Eastern Caribbean RPCVs and enjoy the entertainment together.
- Dinner: Join us at 7 p.m. for dinner at Calypso Café, 5211 S. Harper Avenue , in Hyde Park . To RSVP, contact Carol Wilkerson at (312) 353-7327 or (312) 697-1251.
Saturday, August 7
- Friends of the Eastern Caribbean Annual Meeting from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1101
Sunday, August 8
- March with your country's flag in the flag ceremony beginning at 8:30 a.m.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Hank Scheinost (President, FOEC).

ECUADOR (Friends of Ecuador)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Ecuador RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flag.
- Dinner: Friends of Ecuador is meeting at La Humita at 6:30 p.m. Friday. La Humita is an authentic Ecuadorian establishment located at:3466 N Pulaski Rd. Chicago, Illinois 60641-4028 Tel: (773) 794-9672
  There is no bar but we can bring drinks and encourage everyone coming to bring drinks to share.
  To RSVP or any questions, please contact Ben Bellows on his cell phone 510.381.9603.
Saturday, August 7
- Meet informally for coffee and updates on Ecuador and the Friends of Ecuador group 3 - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1108
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony - meet at 8:30 a.m. Walk with Ecuador RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP for Friday dinner please email Ben Bellows ('97-'00). Please let us know you'll be at the conference by emailing Ben: bbellows@berkeley.edu or phone: 510.381.9603

EL SALVADOR (Friends of El Salvador)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the El Salvador flag and sit with other El Salvador RPCVs.
- Dinner: RSVPs needed by July 31! Please join the Central American RPCVs and the Honduran Consul General at Izalco for your favorite Central American dishes - pupusas, arroz, platanos, tamales y carne asada. Cost is $19 per person for either a vegetarian or regular plate. We will have a limited supply of Central American beer available for purchase, and beyond that the restaurant is BYOB. Please come ready to reminisce and bring photos; one each of yourself, your home, and your workplace from your days in Peace Corps.
  Izalco is located at 1511 W. Lawrence Ave and can be reached by taking the Red Line El to Lawrence and walking six blocks west (your quickest option) or by taking the #22 Clark bus to the corner of Clark and Lawrence (your no-walking option). Please RSVP by July 31 and indicate your choice of veggie or carne. Buen Provecho!
  RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Saturday, August 7

Central America Update/Salsa Dancing 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come dance Salsa for the afternoon! Join the Central American volunteers for a Salsa lesson and country updates. We will spend an hour with a Salsa instructor, and then have time to mingle with Central American volunteers and learn what is happening in your country today. RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1104

Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: 8:30 a.m. Regroup with other El Salvador volunteers to march behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Julie Romaniw (95-97).

ETHIOPIA & ERITREA (Ethiopia & Eritrea RPCVs )

Thursday, August 5
- Field Museum Special Viewing: A special viewing at the Field Museum of their historic collection from the Abyssinian Expedition of 1926-27. This collection includes 113 original pencil and watercolor zoological field studies by famed ornithological painter Louis Agassiz Fuertes, the C.S. Cutting film of the expedition, and other materials. Nearly all of these valuable documents are held in the Library's Rare Book Room. 2 p.m.
  Note: The general admission charge for the museum is $10. There is no additional charge for our special viewing.
- Soldier Field tour: (following the Field Museum program) Mike McCaskey, chairman of the board of the Chicago Bears football team, will take those of our group who are interested on a tour of Soldier Field, the new stadium of the Bears.
- Casual Get-together: (after the Conference Opening Reception) 8 p.m. - ?
  Miller's Pub134 Sourth Wabash Street (just around the corner from the Palmer House Hotel) $20 per person (includes tax and tip) for hot and cold snacks plus two drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks). 50 people maximum. Send check made out to E&E RPCVs with "GET-TOGETHER" noted to E&E RPCVs, c/o Beil, 4 Lodge Pole Road, Pittsford NY 14534 to be received by August 2.
Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with E & E volunteers at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- International MarketPlace: E&E RPCVs will have a table at the International Marketplace (Booth #4). Meet, greet, learn about the RPCV Legacy Program. Items on sale to support a
  Debre Marcos library project, and girls' shelter in Senegal.
- Dinner - Ethiopian Diamond, 6120 N. Broadway, Chicago. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and we can stay until midnight. Buffet dinner with a soft drink (cash bar) $20 per person. Send check
  to EE RPCVs, c/o Beil, 4 Lodge Pole Road, Pittsford NY. Note on check "DINNER." The restaurant is located close to the Granville stop off the Red Line el train.
Saturday, August 7
- International MarketPlace: E&E RPCVs will have a table at the International Marketplace (Booth #4). Meet, greet, learn about the RPCV Legacy Program. Items on sale to support a
  Debre Marcos library project, and girls' shelter in Senegal.
- Ethiopia and Eritrea country updates. Discussion of group projects. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1001
- Founder's Day Dinner: Sit with fellow E&E RPCVs at the Founder's Day Dinner. Contact Marian Haley Beil to let her know you would like to sit with the group.
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony - meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Ethiopia and Eritrea RPCVs and friends behind the Ethiopian and Eritrean flags.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Nancy Horn (Chicago Contact) or Marian Haley Beil (Group Leader).

For full details of the E&E RPCVs offerings at the conference, go to
http://www.ethiopiaeritrearpcvs.org/pages/eerpcv/reunions/reunion2004.html

FIJI (Friends of Fiji)

Other Pacific Island RPCVs are invited to join Friends of Fiji.

Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia,
Nuie, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga,
Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Friday, August 6
- Sit with Fiji volunteers at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flag.
- Dinner: Join RPCVs from India and Fiji and other Pacfic Islands at 6 p.m. for for a grand sumptuous Indian buffet at The Indian Garden, 247 E. Ontario St., 2nd floor, Chicago (312-280-4910).
Saturday, August 7
- 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. All members of the Pacific Islands Peace Corps family are invited to gather with Friends of Fiji for an informal discussion and social time.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1408
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Fiji RPCVs and friends behind the Fiji flag.

To RSVP for the dinner, e-mail Chuck Sheftel (India 69-72). For more information about Friends of Fiji events, contact Anne Baker (84-87). For additional informtion, contact Theresa Fernandez (Samoa 92-94).

GAMBIA (Friends of Senegal & The Gambia)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Senegal/Gambia flag and sit with other Senegal/Gambia volunteers.
- Dinner: 6 p.m. at Park Tower, 5415 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago. Senegalese and Gambian cooks will be catering ceeb u jen (with fish) and vegetarian yassa. A selection of bissap juice, mango juice, water, wine and beer will also be provided. Estimated cost of dinner will be $15-20 per person, including alcohol. The dinner will feature a panel discussion of RPCV-started NGOs currently working in Senegal and the Gambia. Stick around after dinner for mingling, music and dancing. Everyone welcome. Please RSVP to Jamie Diatta at 312-353-1126 or jdiatta@peacecorps.gov before July 30, 2004.

Saturday, August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: Meet at 8:30 a.m. Regroup with other Senegalese/Gambian volunteers to march behind the Senegalese/Gambian flag.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Jamie Diatta (Senegal 99-01).

GHANA (Friends of Ghana)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. - Sit with Ghana RPCVs at the opening ceremonies. Look for the Ghanaian flag.
- Dinner: 6:00 p.m. - Socialize with other Ghana RPCVs and enjoy a tasty Ghanaian buffet at Diana's African Restaurant, 4409 N. Broadway in Chicago. Reservations are required as space is limited. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Stephanie Arnold (93-96). More information and directions will be sent to all who RSVP. Please also check back for additional details as the conference date approaches.
Saturday, August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony: 8:30 a.m. Meet to march behind the Ghanaian flag with other Ghana RPCVs and members of Chicago's vibrant Ghanaian community in the Procession of Flags. The Procession of Flags is a highlight of each NPCA Conference and not to be missed!

To RSVP or for more information, contact Frank Yates (73-76) Friends of Ghana President) or Stephanie Arnold (93-96) (Chicago contact).

GUATEMALA (Friends of Guatemala)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Guatemala flag and sit with other Guatemalan RPCVs.
- Dinner: RSVPs needed by July 31! Please join the Central American RPCVs and the Honduran Consul General at Izalco for your favorite Central American dishes - pupusas, arroz, platanos, tamales y carne asada. Cost is $19 per person for either a vegetarian or regular plate. We will have a limited supply of Central American beer available for purchase, and beyond that the restaurant is BYOB. Please come ready to reminisce and bring photos; one each of yourself, your home, and your workplace from your days in Peace Corps.
  Izalco is located at 1511 W. Lawrence Ave and can be reached by taking the Red Line El to Lawrence and walking six blocks west (your quickest option) or by taking the #22 Clark bus to the corner of Clark and Lawrence (your no-walking option). Please RSVP by July 31 and indicate your choice of veggie or carne. Buen Provecho!
  RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Saturday, August 7

Central America Update/Salsa Dancing 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come dance Salsa for the afternoon! Join the Central American volunteers for a Salsa lesson and country updates. We will spend an hour with a Salsa instructor, and then have time to mingle with Central American volunteers and learn what is happening in your country today. RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1104

Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: 8:30 a.m. Regroup with other Guatemala volunteers to march behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Sarah Strong.

GUINEA (Friends of Guinea)

Friday, August 6
- Dinner 6 p.m.: Friends of Cote d'Ivoire will join Friends of Liberia and other West African RPCVs for dinner. Socialize with other African RPCVs and enjoy a reunion at Ina's Restaurant, 1235 W. Randolph St. (free parking) in Chicago. Reservations are required as space is limited. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Clip Kniffin (Liberia '65-'67). Dinner cost is $28 - payable by cash or check during dinner. More information and directions will be sent to those who RSVP. Please also check back for additional details as the conference approaches.
Saturday, August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony: Meet at 8:30 a.m. to march behind the Guinean flag with other RPCVs in the Procession of Flags.

To RSVP for the Friday dinner, contact Clip Kniffin (Liberia 65-67), for the Saturday Country Update, contact Toby Schaeffer (Cote d'Ivoire '02).

For information about Friends of Guinea, contact Betty Walker or visit www.friendsofguinea.org.

HONDURAS (Amigos de Honduras)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Honduran flag and sit with other Honduran RPCVs.
- Dinner: RSVPs needed by July 31! Please join the Central American RPCVs and the Honduran Consul General at Izalco for your favorite Central American dishes - pupusas, arroz, platanos, tamales y carne asada. Cost is $19 per person for either a vegetarian or regular plate. We will have a limited supply of Central American beer available for purchase, and beyond that the restaurant is BYOB. Please come ready to reminisce and bring photos; one each of yourself, your home, and your workplace from your days in Peace Corps.
  Izalco is located at 1511 W. Lawrence Ave and can be reached by taking the Red Line El to Lawrence and walking six blocks west (your quickest option) or by taking the #22 Clark bus to the corner of Clark and Lawrence (your no-walking option). Please RSVP by July 31 and indicate your choice of veggie or carne. Buen Provecho!
  RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Saturday, August 7

Central America Update/Salsa Dancing 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come dance Salsa for the afternoon! Join the Central American volunteers for a Salsa lesson and country updates. We will spend an hour with a Salsa instructor, and then have time to mingle with Central American volunteers and learn what is happening in your country today. RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1104

Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: 8:30 a.m. Regroup with other Honduran volunteers to march behind the Honduran flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Eva Lord (94-96).

INDIA (Friends of India)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Begin meeting your other Indian Peace Corps volunteers at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the Indian flag and sit with your fellow Peace Corps volunteers from India.
- Dinner: Join your Indian Peace Corps friends at 6 pm for a grand sumptuous Indian buffet at The Indian Garden (Culinary Nirvana) 247 E. Ontario St., 2nd floor, Chicago (312-280-4910).
Saturday, August 7

Country Update: Join your country of service friends of India at 3:00 pm with a great presentation by the Honorable Consul General of India of Chicago Arun Kumar. He is a career diplomat who has served in nine other countries before arriving in Chicago. You will have the opportunity to listen to his interesting update and then "pick his brain" about India. He is excited for the interaction with fellow Hindustanis.
Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1209

Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Regroup with your Indian volunteers at 8:30 a.m. for the flag procession to represent India and march proudly behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Chuck Sheftel (69-72).

IRAN

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Iran RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Location TBD
Saturday, August 7
- Iran Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1206
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony - meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Iran RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Beth Wycoff (Iran 4 - 64-66).

JAMAICA

Friday, August 6
Late Night: The Wild Hare, The Reggae Capital of America featuring Live Reggae Music 7 Nights a Week, says Respect to the Peace Corps. Zeleke Gessesse, owner of the Wild Hare, who grew up in Ethiopia and was taught by Peace Corps Volunteers, invites all returned Peace Corps Volunteers attending the NPCA Conference to The Wild Hare Friday, August 6, from 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. for an opening of a photography exhibit by Peace Corps Jamaica RPCV Richard Sitler which will be shown upstairs in the V.I.P. room. Sitler's photographs document his service from 2000 to 2002 in the sugar plantation community of Lluidas Vale. Before entering Peace Corps Sitler worked as a photojournalist and documentary photographer.
So after your Country of Service Events at local ethnic restaurants Friday find your way to The Wild Hare at 3530 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657-1612 (In Wrigleyville). It is easy to find being a block from Wrigley Field. All National Peace Corps Association Conference attendees will be admitted free/ no cover charge (cover charge usually $10). Come and enjoy live reggae music from the islands by The Ark Band and free Rum Punch to all Returned Peace Corps Volunteers courtesy of Zeleke Gessesse who wishes to big up the Peace Corps to show his appreciation and give back to Peace Corps.

Fliers will be available at the NPCA conference registration which will allow you free admission to The Wild Hare, or show any identification that shows you are a RPCV.

KENYA (Friends of Kenya)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Join Rafiki ya Kenya and hundreds of other RPCV’s and dignitaries for the opening flag ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
- Dinner: Dinner: Join Friends of Tanzania and Kenya for dinner at Addis Abeba Restaurant, 3512 N. Clark St., Chicago. The restaurant is just south of the Addison stop on the Red Line train and near Wrigley Field. Meet at 6:30 p.m. RSVP to Chris (Ely) Norton.
Saturday, August 7
- FOK Sponsored workshop: Why Kenyan Runners Win with John Manners , (RPCV Kenya); Peter Rono , the Olympic gold medalist, 1988 Seoul Olympics. . John Manners will speak on his theories which are fully described in a paper presented to the British Society of Sports History and published in the Society's journal, The Sports Historian. The paper is available at www.kenyarunners.com. Workshop 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
- Kenya RPCV meeting 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8002
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Represent Kenya, while walking with the entire RPCV contingent during the closing flag ceremony. Meet at 8:30 a.m.

To RSVP or to assist in country updates, contact Scott Waguespack (93-95).

KYRGYZSTAN (Friends of Kyrgyzstan)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit together at opening ceremony - 9:30 a.m.
- Dinner at 6 p.m. - Russian Tea Time (77 E. Adams, downtown). While there are no Kyrgyz restaurants in Chicago, RTT does have Central Asian fare and is owned by a family from Tashkent.
Saturday, August 7
- Friends of Kyrgyzstan meeting 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 1403
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: March together with during the flag ceremony and sit together at closing ceremony. Meet at 8:30 a.m.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Melissa Morgan (95-96).

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER PEACE CORPS ALUMNI

Satruday, August 7
- LGBT RPCV Get Together: Join us on Saturday, August 7th from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or later at Windsor's Lobby Bar at the Palmer House.
  
  Look for Mike Learned, LGB RPCVs Group Leader and Michael Dane, Chicago Peace Corps Recruiter. We'll be wearing name tags. We'll grab a couple of tables and have LGBT RPCV table cards or something similar.
  
  RSVP if you can or just show up: Michael Dane: mdane@peacecorps.gov or phone 312-353-7745 by Thursday August 5 or Mike Learned: 103571.2317@compuserve.com through Wednesday August 4 or call Mike's room at the Palmer House from August 5 on.

RPCV GLBT community: If you are interested in knowing more about what's of interest to you in the Chicago area, please contact Susan Mazer.

For more information on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Peace Corps Alumni group, visit the www.lgbrpcv.org.

LIBERIA (Friends of Liberia)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Liberian RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m.. Look for the Liberian flag.
- Dinner 6 p.m.: Friends of Cote d'Ivoire will join Friends of Liberia and other West African RPCVs for dinner. Socialize with other African RPCVs and enjoy a reunion at Ina's Restaurant, 1235 W. Randolph St. (free parking) in Chicago. Reservations are required as space is limited. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Clip Kniffin (Liberia '65-'67). Dinner cost is $28 - payable by cash or check during dinner. More information and directions will be sent to those who RSVP. Please also check back for additional details as the conference approaches.
Saturday, August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony: Meet at 8:30 a.m. to march behind the Liberian flag with other Liberian RPCVs and members of Chicago's Liberian community in the Procession of Flags.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Pat Reilly (72-75) or Clip Kniffin Chicago contact (65-67).

LESOTHO (Friends of Lesotho)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Lesotho RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Join the Southern Africa RPCVs for dinner and conversation on Friday night, August 6 at 6 p.m. at the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago's South Loop. Bar Louie, located in Dearborn station at 47 W. Polk, is a local Chicago mainstay with a great atmosphere and better food. Dinner includes a free drink ticket (beer, wine or soda) and will cost $30. It is a short from the Palmer House. Go south on State Street about six blocks until you hit Polk, then go west. Call Marie at 773-490-8751 (cell phone) if there are any questions/problems.
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1007
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony - Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Lesotho RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP, program suggestions or for more information, contact Bill Dunn (79-82).

MACEDONIA (Friends of Macedonia)

Saturday, August 7
- Country of Service update meeting 3:00-5:00 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1214
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the flag of Macedonia and walk together in the closing flag ceremony.

For more information, contact Nicole C. Kibert (98-99).

MALAWI (Friends of Malawi)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Malawi RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Join the Southern Africa RPCVs for dinner and conversation on Friday night, August 6 at 6 p.m. at the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago's South Loop. Bar Louie, located in Dearborn station at 47 W. Polk, is a local Chicago mainstay with a great atmosphere and better food. Dinner includes a free drink ticket (beer, wine or soda) and will cost $30. It is a short from the Palmer House. Go south on State Street about six blocks until you hit Polk, then go west. Call Marie at 773-490-8751 (cell phone) if there are any questions/problems.
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1004
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Malawi RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP, program suggestions or for more information, contact Dawn Citrin or Susan Suhling.
.

MALAYSIA (Friends of Malaysia)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Friends of Malaysia RPCVs at the opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Look for the Malaysian flag.
- Dinner: The Friends of Malaysia will have a traditional Malaysia buffet on Friday 6 August 2004 at 6 p.m. Dinner will be at My Place, a sister restaurant of the Penang Restaurant which is well known in the Chicago area. The cost of the meal will be $20 with a cash bar. The meal will be followed by a country update by K. Sukomaran who is Director of the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA). Space is limited so, to make a reservation, send a check made out to Friends of Malaysia to: Sherry Zembower, 1029 N. Arcadia Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
Saturday, August 7

Meeting: Meet Friends of Malaysia Board Members, other FoM RPCVs and friends, learn about current projects, and share your ideas and Peace Corps stories at an Open House at DePaul University from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Snacks and drinks will be provided by the FoM Board. Please bring pictures, memento's or items that provide you with significant memories of your Peace Corps time in Malaysia that you would like to share with others.
Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1407

Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: March with Friends of Malaysia RPCVs and friends behind the Malaysian flag at the Flag Ceremony. Meet at 8:30 a.m. under the Malaysia flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Sherry Zembower (69-71).

MALI (Friends of Mali)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with the Mali RPCVs at the opening ceremonies. Meet at 9:30 a.m. Look for more info at the Hospitality Desk.
- Dinner: 6:00 p.m. - Socialize with other African RPCVs and enjoy a reunion at Ina's Restaurant, 1235 W. Randolph St. (free parking) in Chicago. Reservations are required as space is limited. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Clip Kniffin ('65-'67). More information and directions will be sent to those who RSVP. Please also check back for additional details as the conference approaches.
Saturday, August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with other Mali RPCVs and friends behind the flags.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Brian DeFilippo (89-91).

MOROCCO (Friends of Morocco)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Morocco volunteers at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Andalous Moroccan Restaurant, 3307 N. Clark Street, Chicago at 7 p.m. Cost: Approx. $28/per person

Saturday, August 7
- Morocco Country Update 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. All members of the Peace Corps Morocco family are invited to gather with The Friends of Morocco for a country update, annual report, and social time.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8021
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m.. March with Morocco RPCVs and friends behind the Moroccan flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Thom Anderson (91-95).

NAMIBIA

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with the Nambia RPCVs at the opening ceremonies. Meet at 9:30 a.m.
- Dinner: Join the Southern Africa RPCVs for dinner and conversation on Friday night, August 6 at 6 p.m. at the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago's South Loop. Bar Louie, located in Dearborn station at 47 W. Polk, is a local Chicago mainstay with a great atmosphere and better food. Dinner includes a free drink ticket (beer, wine or soda) and will cost $30. It is a short from the Palmer House. Go south on State Street about six blocks until you hit Polk, then go west. Call Marie at 773-490-8751 (cell phone) if there are any questions/problems.
Saturday, August 7
- Country update 3-5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1010
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with other Namibia RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Anthony Lizardi.

NEPAL (Friends of Nepa l)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Meet your fellow Peace Corps-Nepal volunteers at the opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Look for the Nepali flag and sit with your fellow "satiharus."
- Dinner: Dine with our RPCV friends who served in India, Fiji, Pacific Islands and Nepal at 6 p.m. for a grand sumptuous Indian meal at The Indian Garden (Culinary Nirvana) 247 E. Ontario St., 2nd floor, Chicago (312-280-4910). Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, August 4th to Mary Schuller.
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update: Join your country of service friends of Nepal at 3:00 pm for a fascinating panel discussion led by Marvin Brustin, Honorary Royal Nepalese Consul of Chicago, Sharda Thapa, US representative to the Non Resident Nepalis Association, and Genevieve Lakier, University of Chicago Anthropology Graduate Student researching in Nepal. Learn about current conditions in Nepal as viewed from these scholarly and intriguing perspectives.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1210
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Regroup with your Nepal volunteers at 8:30 a.m. for the flag procession to represent and proudly march behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Mary Schuller (96-98).

NICARAGUA (Amigos de Nicaragua)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Nicaragua flag and sit with other Nicaragua RPCVs.
- Dinner: RSVPs needed by July 31! Please join the Central American RPCVs and the Honduran Consul General at Izalco for your favorite Central American dishes - pupusas, arroz, platanos, tamales y carne asada. Cost is $19 per person for either a vegetarian or regular plate. We will have a limited supply of Central American beer available for purchase, and beyond that the restaurant is BYOB. Please come ready to reminisce and bring photos; one each of yourself, your home, and your workplace from your days in Peace Corps.
  Izalco is located at 1511 W. Lawrence Ave and can be reached by taking the Red Line El to Lawrence and walking six blocks west (your quickest option) or by taking the #22 Clark bus to the corner of Clark and Lawrence (your no-walking option). Please RSVP by July 31 and indicate your choice of veggie or carne. Buen Provecho!
  RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Saturday, August 7

Central America Update/Salsa Dancing 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come dance Salsa for the afternoon! Join the Central American volunteers for a Salsa lesson and country updates. We will spend an hour with a Salsa instructor, and then have time to mingle with Central American volunteers and learn what is happening in your country today. RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1104

Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: 8:30 a.m. Regroup with other Nicaragua volunteers to march behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Katherine Joseph.

NIGER (Friends of Niger)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 am - Look for Niger flag at the Opening Ceremony.
- Dinner & Dance: 6 PM -Friends of Niger Dinner & Dance at the Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant, 6120 North Broadway, Chicago - near the Granville stop on the Red Line 'El'. Get there at 6:30 and meet other 'friends' and Nigerien attendees as well as members of Friends of Ethiopia and Eritrea and Friends of Mali. We're eating buffet-style at 7:00. Stay for the music and the good company. The Diamond has the best ratings that we've seen for an African restaurant in Chicago, has great food, African beer, Ethiopian honey wine, great desserts and great prices. The buffet dinner costs $20 (taxes & tip included). The buffet will include doro wett (chicken stew), ciga tibs (fried beef), another meat dish, two or three vegetable dishes, salad, and injera (Ethiopian bread) and soft drinks (cash bar for other drinks). We need a reasonably accurate head count for Sisay Abebe, our contact at the Diamond. Please, please contact Jim Schneider (see below) and tell him that you'll be attending.
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update: 3 - 5 PM - Niger Update & Exchange.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8011
Sunday, August 7
- Flag Procession: 8:30 a.m. Look for the Niger Flag.

For more information contact Jim Schneider and/or check the FON website for periodic updates.

NIGERIA (Friends of Nigeria)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Meet under the Nigerian flag and sit together for the opening ceremony in the Palmer House at 9:30 a.m.
- Dinner: Dinner: The Nigeria COS dinner will be held at First Saint Paul's Lutheran Church at 1301 N. LaSalle, Chicago on Friday evening, August 6, 2004, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meal will be a catered Nigerian dinner, with all your favorites, including Star Beer and Palm Wine. Placement of reservations can be made though the FON newsletter. Directions to the dinner site: Take the Red Line CTA train marked Howard (entrance is below ground on the same block as the hotel), and exit at the Clark and Division stop. Walk west on Division for one block, then turn right onto LaSalle and walk north for one block to the church.

Saturday, August 7
- Nigeria COS Update: The Nigeria COS Update will be held at DePaul University, near the conference hotel, on Saturday afternoon from 3 to 5 p.m. Our first scheduled speaker is Paul Carpenter (Malawi 1982-86), Assistant Manager, PolioPlus Division, The Rotary Foundation. He will share with us the complicated picture of polio eradication in Northern Nigeria. Our other speaker is Dr. Heidi Nast, Assoc. Prof. of International Studies, DePaul University, who will focus on the history of concubinage, the role of women past and present in Kano State, and by extension, the Sahel. Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8010.
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Join other Nigerian RPCVs at 8:30 a.m. to walk behind the Nigerian flag for the closing flag ceremony.

For more information, contact David Pritchett (64-66) or Lucinda Boyd (63-64) .

OMAN

Friday, August 6, 6:30
- Dinner at Andie's at 1467 W. Montrose. Take the brown line to the Montrose stop. Go east for 3 blocks (turn left coming out of the station). Please RSVP to Ann at annmc@core.com, so we know how many reservations to make.
Saturday, August 7, 3:00-5:00

Country of Service Update 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1410

Sunday, August 8

Meet under the Oman flag for closing ceremonies.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Ann McCormick at annmc@core.com.

PAKISTAN

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Pakistan RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Enjoy traditional Pakistani food at Sabri Nihari Restaurant, 2511 W. Devon , Chicago. Meet at 6:30 p.m. After dinner, explore the famous Indo-Pakistani business district on Devon Street.
Saturday, August 7
- Pakistan Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1208
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Pakistan RPCVs and friends behind the Pakistani flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Barbara Janes (Pak I - 61-63).

PANAMA (Peace Corps Panama Friends)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Panama RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Join Friends of Panama at 6:30 p.m. at Mambo Grill, 412 N. Clark St., Chicago (312)467-9797. Cash only please.
Saturday, August 7
- Central America Update/Salsa Dancing 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come dance Salsa for the afternoon! Join the Central American volunteers for a Salsa lesson and country updates. We will spend an hour with a Salsa instructor, and then have time to mingle with Central American volunteers and learn what is happening in your country today. RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1104
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Panama RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Christine Blair (95-98).

PARAGUAY (Friends of Paraguay)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Paraguay flag and sit with other Paraguay volunteers.
- Dinner: Meet for dinner at 6:30 p.m. at El Nandu Restaurant, 2731 W. Fullerton. RSVP to Courtney Cunningham (98-00) by Aug. 3.
- After dinner: Participate in the Summer Dance Festival in Millenium Park.
Saturday, August 7
- Central America Update/Salsa Dancing 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Come dance Salsa for the afternoon! Join the Central American volunteers for a Salsa lesson and country updates. We will spend an hour with a Salsa instructor, and then have time to mingle with Central American volunteers and learn what is happening in your country today. RSVP to Eva Lord (Honduras 94-96).
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1104
Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: 8:30 a.m. Regroup with other Paraguay volunteers to march behind the flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Courtney Cunningham (98-00) or Eileen Gallagher (94-96).

PERU (Amigos de Peru & Bolivia)

Friday, August 6
- Opening ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Peruvian flag and sit with other Peruvian volunteers.
- Amigos board luncheon: 12 Noon - 1 p.m.
- Dinner: 6 p.m. at Rinconcito Sudamericano, 1954 W. Armitage, off Damen, Chicago Bucktown area (Peruvian cuisine), phone 773-489-3126.
Saturday, August 7
- Amigos membership meeting: 3 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
- Country update 3:30 p.m. 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1107
Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: Meet at 8:30 a.m. Regroup with other Peruvian volunteers to march behind the Peruvian flag.

To RSVP for dinner, contact Franklin Salveson (Peru 65-67)
For more information, contact Patt Behler (Peru 62-64) or Ken Rustad (Bolivia 62-64).

PHILIPPINES Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development (PCAFPD)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Philippines flag and meet other Peace Corps Philippines volunteers at the opening ceremonies. (Open to those who are registered for the NPCA Conference).
- Dinner 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Join your Peace Corps Philippines friends at 7:00 p.m. for a Filipino feast at Little Quiapo restaurant at 4423 North Clark Street at Montrose Avenue on Chicago's north side. (Telephone: 773-271-5441) $20 per person (includes food, tax & tip). (Open to all, guests are welcome). Make reservations by July 30 by contacting Leslie Piotrowski.
  
  Public Transportation: From the Palmer House, walk one block west to Dearborn and Monroe. Catch the #22 bus. The fare is $1.75. It is approximately a 40 minute trip. Get off the bus at Montrose and Clark and go to Little Quiapo at 4423 North Clark.. For those who want to share a cab, we'll put a notice on the NPCA Conference Message Board on Friday where you can sign up and agree on a time and place to meet.
Saturday, August 7
- Philippines Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Do you ever wonder what's been going on in the Philippines since you were there? Join us for a panel discussion led by recently returned Philippines volunteers and others who have worked in or visited the Philippines since their Peace Corps days. The Consul General of the Philippines has been invited (not confirmed) to make a brief presentation before the panel.
  
  If you have something to share and would be interested in being on the panel or have questions you want answered, contact Leslie Piotrowski. Program details will be up-dated as they become available. Location is at DePaul University's downtown campus - room will be posted in the Palmer House. (Open to all, space permitting).
- Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1103
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Meet others who served in the Philippines at 8:30 a.m. for the Procession of Flags to represent the Philippines and march behind the flag. (Open to those who are registered for the NPCA Conference.)

To RSVP or for more information, contact Leslie Piotrowski (83-85).

For information about Peace Corps Alumni Foundation for Philippine Development (PCAFPD), which is sponsoring these COS activities at the NPCA Conference, visit the website at www.rpcvphilippines.org.

RPCVs FOR ENVIRONMENT & DEVELOPMENT

Saturday, August 6 Meeting 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 111

For more information, contact Katy Hansen (Nigeria 67-68) or visit the group's website.

SAMOA (Friends of Samoa)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Samoan RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Join Friends of Samoa for dinner at Siam Country 4637 N Damen, just south of the Damen el stop on the CTA Brown Line. Meet at 6:30 p.m.
- Annual Meeting: After dinner, participate in Friends of Samoa annual meeting (elect officers, decide on future of group).
Saturday, August 7
- Regional Gathering: .3 p.m. to 5 p.m. All members of the Pacific Islands Peace Corps family are invited to gather with Friends of Fiji for an informal discussion and social time.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1408
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Ceremony: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Samoan RPCVs and friends behind the Samoan flag.

To RSVP for the dinner, contact Linda Lipscy (84-86) or Theresa Fernandez (92-94).

SENEGAL (Friends of Senegal & The Gambia)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Look for the Senegal/Gambia flag and sit with other Senegal/Gambia volunteers.
- Dinner: 6pm at Park Tower, 5415 N. Sheridan Rd, Chicago. Senegalese and Gambian cooks will be catering ceeb u jen (with fish) and vegetarian yassa. A selection of bissap juice, mango juice, water, wine and beer will also be provided. Estimated cost of dinner will be $15-20 per person, including alcohol. The dinner will feature a panel discussion of RPCV-started NGOs currently working in Senegal and the Gambia. Stick around after dinner for mingling, music and dancing. Everyone welcome. Please RSVP to Jamie Diatta at 312-353-1126 or jdiatta@peacecorps.gov before July 30, 2004.

Saturday, August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8
- Procession of Flags: Meet at 8:30 a.m.. Regroup with other Senegalese/Gambian volunteers to march behind the Senegalese/Gambian flag.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Jamie Diatta (Senegal 99-01).

SIERRA LEONE (Friends of Sierra Leone)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Sit together at the opening ceremony. Look for the Sierra Leone flag.
- Dinner 6 p.m.: Friends of Cote d'Ivoire will join Friends of Liberia and other West African RPCVs for dinner. Socialize with other African RPCVs and enjoy a reunion at Ina's Restaurant, 1235 W. Randolph St. (free parking) in Chicago. Reservations are required as space is limited. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Clip Kniffin (Liberia '65-'67). Dinner cost is $28 - payable by cash or check during dinner. More information and directions will be sent to those who RSVP. Please also check back for additional details as the conference approaches.
Saturday, August 7
- Group Meeting: Meeting will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Palmer House. Room TBD Those who went to Freetown for the annual meeting will be sharing their experiences and video with all those who are interested.
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8

Flag Ceremony: Meet at 8:30 a.m. to march behind the Sierra Leone flag with other RPCVs in the Procession of Flags.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Patty Floch Bruzek (78-80).

SOUTH AFRICA (Health and Education Initiatives through Alliances with South Africa, HEITA-SA)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with South African RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flag.
- Dinner: Join the Southern Africa RPCVs for dinner and conversation on Friday night, August 6 at 6 p.m. at the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago's South Loop. Bar Louie, located in Dearborn station at 47 W. Polk, is a local Chicago mainstay with a great atmosphere and better food. RSVP to Lara Weber (Zambia '00-'02) by August 1, 2004.
Saturday, Aug 7
- Country Update 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1009
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with South Africa RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP, program suggestions or for more information, contact Ben Kelsey.

TANZANIA (Friends of Tanzania)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Tanzania RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Join Friends of Tanzania and Kenya for dinner at Addis Abeba Restaurant, 3512 N. Clark St., Chicago. The restaurant is just south of the Addison stop on the Red Line train and near Wrigley Field. Meet at 6:30 p.m. RSVP to Chris (Ely) Norton.
Saturday, August 7
- Tanzania Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8012
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Tanzania RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP, program suggestions or for more information, contact Chris (Ely) Norton or Lee Losey (83-85).

THAILAND (Friends of Thailand)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Thai RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags. Listen to Former Thai Foreign Minister Surin Pitsuwan address the audience.
- Dinner: 6:30 pm at Star of Siam (11 E. Illinois Street). Please join us, along with NPCA President Kevin Quigley and Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, for a Thai country of service dinner at Star of Siam. Notable as the original Thai restaurant in downtown Chicago, and a popular location for over 20 years, Star of Siam is home to some of the best straightforward Thai food in the city (this restaurant has catered for H.R.H. Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol during visits to Chicago, including as recently as three weeks ago). Thai RPCV and former CAPCA Board member David Pope is pleased to host this dinner and extends an invitation to all Thai RPCV Conference Registrants and their spouses/partners/significant others. This gathering is planned as an informal evening of good Thai food and conversation surrounding our shared experience in the Land of Smiles. Please make reservations by contacting David Pope at david_pope@att.net or by phone at 312-498-6001.
  Directions: From the Palmer House, head north on State Street, crossing over the Chicago River, to Illinois Street. Turn right on Illinois. Star of Siam will be almost immediately on your right.
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Join NPCA President Kevin Quigley (Thailand 76-79) and Dr. Pitsuwan to hear about the latest happenings in Thailand.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1405
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Thai RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP, program suggestions or for more information, contact David Pope (90-92) or Carol Rogers (84-86).

TOGO (Friends of Togo)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Sit together at the opening ceremony. Look for the Togo flag.
- Dinner: 6:00 p.m. - Socialize with other West African RPCVs and enjoy a tasty Ghanaian buffet at Diana's African Restaurant, 4409 N. Broadway in Chicago. Reservations are required as space is limited. If you plan to attend, RSVP to Stephanie Arnold (93-96). More information and directions will be sent to all who RSVP. Please also check back for additional details as the conference date approaches.
Saturday, August 7
- West Africa Regional Update: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Returned Peace Corps volunteers from Friends of Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Togo are planning an informative session on the current instability in West Africa and how we as groups of concerned former Peace Corps volunteers might be able to help. We are inviting a panel of individuals who can speak authoritatively on the topic of the current situation in West Africa - current conflicts, peacekeeping efforts, refugee issues, etc. Confirmed panelists include Michael Arietti, Director of the State Department's Africa Bureau's Office of West African Affairs, Dr. Clement Adibe, professor in DePaul University's Political Science Department and expert on conflict and peacemaking in the ECOWAS region, and Raymond Attawia, a Sierra Leonian national, who was a pastor in Freetown for more than 20 years and Superintendent for Christians-in-Action. Attawia now resides in the Chicago area. The 2-hour session will include time for brief Country of Service updates. The informative session will focus on the organizing countries, but the session is open to volunteers from other countries. RSVPs requested.
  Room: DePaul Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 8005
Sunday, August 8

Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. Meet to march behind the Togolese flag with other Togo RPCVs in the Procession of Flags. The Procession of Flags is a highlight of each NPCA Conference and is not to be missed!

To RSVP or for more information, contact .Mike Moore.

TUNISIA (Friends of Tunisia)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with other Tunisian RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Hear our fellow Tunisia RPCVs Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and First Lady Jessica Doyle (67-69). Look for the flags.
- Lunch: The Tunsis will meet in the 6th floor hospitality room at 11:45 on Friday, August 6, at which time we will either have lunch with Jim and Jessica OR dessert with them after 1:00 OR something else appropriate. (The governor's scheduler is still working on this.) In any case, we'll at least be able have lunch together with and catch up among ourselves.
- Dinner: There are no Tunisian restaurants in Chicago, so join Friends of Morocco and Tunisia at a very good Moroccan Restaurant - Andalous Moroccan Restaurant, 3307 N. Clark Street, Chicago at 7 p.m. Cost: Approx. $28/per person.
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8014
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. . March with Tunisian RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP, offer to help organize or for more information, contact Kelly Brest van Kempen (65-67).

TURKEY (Arkadaslar)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with other Turkey RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Meet at 6:30 p.m. at Topkapi Restaurant, 2544 West Peterson Ave., Chicago. (Restaurant phone 773.274.9970).
Saturday, August 7
- Country Update 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1212
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with Turkey RPCVs and friends behind the flag.

To RSVP, offer to help organize or for more information, contact Ken Hill (T-09).

TURKMENISTAN (Friends of Turkmenistan)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Join Friends of Turkmenistan and hundreds of other RPCV's and dignitaries for the opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flags.
- Dinner: Friends of Turkmenistan Dinner: 6 p.m. location TBD.
Saturday, August 7
- Friends of Tstan meeting/possible outing: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Location TBD Outing could be to Oriental Institute (area museum with Central Asia collection) Other suggestions welcome.
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1404
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Represent Turkmenistan, while walking with the entire RPCV contingent during the closing flag ceremony. Meet at 8:30 a.m.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Sarah Cook (95-97).

UGANDA (Friends of Uganda)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Join Friends of Uganda and hundreds of other RPCV's and dignitaries for the opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. in Millennium Park.
- Friends of Uganda Dinner: 6 p.m. at Mama Desta's Red Sea, 3218 N. Clark Street (very accessible by public transportation - 1 block east of the Belmont el stop).
Saturday, August 7
- Friends of Uganda meeting 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Room: DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson, Room 8009
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. Represent Uganda, while walking with the entire RPCV contingent during the closing flag ceremony.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Ken Fink.

UKRAINE (Friends of Ukraine)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: 9:30 a.m. Join fellow Ukraine RPCVs and enjoy the entertainment together. Look for the Ukrainian flag. Help set the joyful mood for this great conference!
- Dinner: Ukraine RPCVs will meet at the Wabash entry of the Palmer House at 6 p.m. to travel together to Sak's Restaurant, 2301 W Chicago Ave, in Chicago's Ukrainian Village for a family style Ukrainian dinner---everyone can enjoy their favorites. Pivo available. Fun and games for the rest of the evening will be planned over dinner. If you can't meet us at the Palmer House, take the blue, red or brown line "L" train to Chicago Ave. Catch bus (#66) going west & get off at Western Ave.

Saturday, August 7
- Country Update 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: news & discussion about the current Peace Corps program & state of the Republic. Consider becoming active in Friends of Ukraine. And who knows where the night will lead us!
  Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1402

Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. Dress in blue & gold or something Ukrainian and parade behind the Ukrainian flag for this fun conference-closing event. We're a newer program so let's be sure to show our colors!

To RSVP or for more information about these events or about Chicago, contact Suzie (Wagner) Budak ( '98-'01), President, Friends of Ukraine or Donna Braden (‘99-'01), Vice-President, Friends of Ukraine.

ZAMBIA

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with Zambia RPCVs at the opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. Look for the flag.
- Dinner: Join the Southern Africa RPCVs for dinner and conversation on Friday night, August 6 at 6 p.m. at the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago's South Loop. Bar Louie, located in Dearborn station at 47 W. Polk, is a local Chicago mainstay with a great atmosphere and better food. Dinner includes a free drink ticket (beer, wine or soda) and will cost $30. It is a short from the Palmer House. Go south on State Street about six blocks until you hit Polk, then go west. Call Marie at 773-490-8751 (cell phone) if there are any questions/problems.
Saturday, Aug 7
- Zambia Country Update 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1003
Saturday or Sunday:
- North American Beer Cricket Tournament
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with other Zambia RPCVs and friends behind the Zambian flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact .

ZIMBABWE (Friends of Zimbabwe)

Friday, August 6
- Opening Ceremony: Sit with the Zimbabwe RPCVs at the opening ceremonies. Meet at 9:30 a.m.
- Dinner: Join the Southern Africa RPCVs for dinner and conversation on Friday night, August 6 at 6 p.m. at the historic Dearborn Station in Chicago's South Loop. Bar Louie, located in Dearborn station at 47 W. Polk, is a local Chicago mainstay with a great atmosphere and better food. Dinner includes a free drink ticket (beer, wine or soda) and will cost $30. It is a short from the Palmer House. Go south on State Street about six blocks until you hit Polk, then go west. Call Marie at 773-490-8751 (cell phone) if there are any questions/problems.
Saturday, August 7
- Zimbabwe update 3-5 p.m.
- Room: Lewis Center, 25 E. Jackson, Room 1005
Sunday, August 8
- Flag Procession: Meet at 8:30 a.m. March with other Zim RPCVs and friends behind the Zimbabwe flag.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Erin (Frederick) Polis (99-00)

More Info

Click here for a complete list of NPCA's Affiliate Groups and links to their contact information.

COS events are managed and planned by the affiliate groups and are not managed by the Conference Planning Committee. Contact a country's group or contact person to RSVP or for more information about these events.

Is your group's information not current or not listed here? We need your updates. Contact COS Events Chair Virginia DeLancey at chicago2004-cosgroups@rpcv.org.

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